Community News For The Enfield Edition

ENFIELD — The Enfield Senior Center, 299 Elm St., is offering the following events. Call 860-763-7425 for more information.

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Love Your Heart presented by St. Francis Care : Feb. 14 at 1 p.m. Sign up at the front desk.

New iPad classes being offered as The Apple Sauce series. It is a series of four iPad classes that will appeal to the beginner and someone with some knowledge. The classes can be taken as a series or independently. All classes are offered on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon. The classes will be offered as follows: Feb. 13, iPad Know How; Feb. 20, iPad Camera; Feb. 27, iPad Planner; and March 6, iPad Connection. Registrations for these classes are currently being accepted at the front desk. Residents: $3; For non-residents, $4 for each class.

Registration dates for March and April classes began Feb. 6 for residents and Feb. 13 for non-residents. There is a deadline of Feb. 23 for fitness classes. Registration forms are available at www.enfield-ct.gov/seniors or can be picked up at the Senior Center.

New Qigong class: nine weeks, beginning on March 1 and running through April 26. Join Marcy Hickey on Thursday mornings, from 8:45 to 9:45 am. Class registrations began on Feb. 6 for Enfield residents and will begin on Feb. 13 for non-residents and will be accepted through Feb. 23. The nine-week class fees are $36 for Enfield residents and $45 for others.

Day trips, overnight trips and cruises are now planned for 2018. Day trips include Newport Playhouse, The Metropolitan Opera, Wright's Farm and Twin River Casino, Red Sox at Fenway; NYC by Land & Sea, All You Can Eat Lobster at the Delaney House and more.

Overnight trips include 1,000 Islands, Alexandria Bay, Colorado's Historic Trains, Atlantic City and Cape May, Iceland and more. Cruises being offered are a Mediterranean Cruise and American Queen Riverboat Cruise from New Orleans to Memphis. For detailed information and trip dates, visit www.enfield-ct.gov/seniors or stop by the Senior Center front desk to pick up a flyer.

Library Events

ENFIELD — The Enfield Public Library, 104 Middle Road, is hosting the following events.

Friday Films at the Enfield Public Library: 2 p.m. on Feb. 16, March 2 and March 16. Films are free and everyone is welcome. No need to register. For more information, visit enfieldpubliclibrary.org or call 860- 763-7512.

Using your choice of building materials, LEGO®, DUPLO®., Keva Planks® or Roominates®, see what you can build in an hour at the Builders Club program, at 10 a.m. Feb. 10. This is a drop-in program. Work independently or with friends. Visit www.enfieldpubliclibrary.org or call the library at 860-763-7518 or 860-763-7512 for more info.

Visit the library on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 6:30 p.m., for one half hour of nursery rhymes, songs, and fingerplays. This is a drop-in program that is designed to promote early language skills for ages birth to twenty-four months, accompanied by parents or caregivers.

Waddling Ones: Enjoy simple stories, songs, fingerplays, open play and art for your one-year-old at the Enfield Public Library on Friday, Feb. 16, at 9:30 a.m. This drop-in program is an early literacy program designed for caregivers and their children, ages 12 to 24 months.

All programs at the Enfield Public Library are free and all are welcome. To register for this program, please visit the Circulation Desk, or call 860-763-7512. Visit www.enfieldpubliclibrary.org for more information.

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Soup Kitchen Fundraiser

ENFIELD — The Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen fundraiser will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, at Red Robin, 15 Hazard Ave. Present the fundraiser coupon to your wait staff when you dine and Red Robin will donate 10-percent of your meal. For questions, email kelly@khbiznet.com, call or text Kelly Hemmeler at 860-543-3257.

Enfield Family Resource Center Grandparents Support Group

ENFIELD — Are you a grandparent raising grandchildren? The monthly Family Resource Center Grandparents Support Group offers grandparents a chance to learn about the resources available to them while networking and supporting each other.

The next meetings will be held Mondays, Feb. 26, March 26 and April 23, at The Stowe Early Learning Center Family Resource Center, 117 Post Office Road. Meetings will include dinner and child care. Childcare will consist of therapeutic group discussions with a trained FRC Parent Educator. This group is funded in part by the Older Americans Act through the North Central Area Agency on Aging. To register or for additional information, contact Tracy Roche at troche@enfield.org or 860-253-5214.

East Windsor Senior Center Events

EAST WINDSOR — East Windsor Senior Center, 125 Main St., is offering the following events. For more information, call 860-292-8262. The center will be closed on Feb. 19.

Shopping trips to Big Y, Walmart, Geissler's and the mobile foodshare at St. Catherine's parking lot take place at various times. Call for more information. Big Y or Walmart, every Monday, 9 to 10:30 a.m. Geissler's, every Wednesday, 9 to 10:30 a.m. Mobile Foodshare at St. Catherine's Parking Lot, Every other Friday, Feb. 9 and 23.

SOMERS — The American Legion Polish dinner will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 236 Main St. For tickets, call 860-763-0358.

Jazz Group Performs

ENFIELD — SFere will be performing Sunday, Feb. 18, at the Enfield ShopRite, 40 Hazard Ave. The jazz trio's mainstream, blues, funk and Latin-jazz grooves cover a variety of artists and composers, from Ellington, Herbie Hancock and Antonio Carlos Jobim , to Weather Report, the Allmans, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. The performance is free and will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Seeking Hospice Volunteers

AREA — Friendly volunteers are welcome to join the Hartford HealthCare at Home Hospice Care team to visit hospice patients, provide respite for weary caregivers, be a listening ear, connect with patients' goals, assist with bereavement or spiritual support, share gifts of music or art, visit as a registered pet therapy team or help with clerical projects.

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The Hartford HealthCare at Home volunteers provide 400 hours each month to individuals and families in central and Eastern Connecticut. Volunteers visit based on their individual schedules.

Free training is provided so volunteers can be educated and feel valued in their role by understanding the history and philosophy of hospice, clinical aspects of dying, communication skills, family dynamics, issues of spirituality and religion, and grief and bereavement.

For more information, call John Roush, volunteer coordinator, Hartford HealthCare at Home & Hospice, at 860-951-6997.

Seeking Librarian

SOMERS — Somers Public Library is seeking an energetic and creative individual to become its part time teen/reference librarian. Under the direction of the library director, this individual will plan, develop, and supervise after school programming for teens, assist with collection maintenance of young adult materials, supervise the Teen Room, assist with the Library's interlibrary loan, and provide reference, technology, and reader's advisory assistance to teen and adult patrons.

Applicants must have both experience in library reference services and in working with teens, ages 13 to 18, and a master's degree in Library Science from an accredited institution is preferred. The position is 15 to 22 hours a week, mostly after school, plus one Saturday a month. Pay is $17.60 per hour.

ENFIELD — As of Jan. 20, more than 20 Asnuntuck Community College students are available to help eligible taxpayers file their tax returns at Asnuntuck Community College for three days a week, until April 17. The students, in addition to up to 10 additional community volunteers, through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) have become IRS-certified financial volunteers.

Appointments are highly recommended for this free program. To schedule an appointment with a VITA tax assistance volunteer, www.211ct.org or dial 2-1-1 and press '3' then '6'. Visit unitedwayinc.org/MyRefund for a list of VITA tax assistance sites.

Volunteers will be at Asnuntuck, 170 Elm St., on Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m.; Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The students, and individuals will help eligible taxpayers prepare and electronically file their state and federal income tax forms at no charge. This group joins volunteers in other Central and Northeast Connecticut locations, including an additional site in Thompsonville.

Free, in-person help is available by appointment to individuals and families with 2017 household incomes up to $54,000, at VITA sites in Hartford, En?eld, Manchester, New Britain, Vernon, West Hartford, Windsor Locks, and the Windham region. Volunteers make sure that filers claim their proper tax credits and refunds. Refunds are available in seven to 10 days.

What's more, along with tax filing help, filers have access to financial literacy programs offered by VITA sponsors United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut and The Village for Families & Children.

Individuals and families with household incomes up to $66,000 in 2017 can also get assistance and file online at any time using MyFreeTaxes.com.

Farm Credit East Provides Scholarships To Support Agricultural Education

AREA — Farm Credit East recently announced that it is accepting scholarships from Northeast agricultural educators to support their attendance at institutes offered by the Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education.

CASE, a project of the National Association of Agricultural Educators, has developed high school courses that integrate science, technology, engineering and math concepts with hands-on, inquiry-based learning. CASE offers educator training to provide the tools needed to offer this coursework in high school classrooms.

To apply for a scholarship, educators must teach in a school district within Farm Credit East's territory and must currently or plan to teach agricultural or natural resources courses. Scholarships will cover up to 50 percent of the cost of the CASE institute, not to exceed $1,000. Visit FarmCreditEast.com/ageducator to learn more or to apply. The deadline to apply is Monday, April 2.

Nominations Of Extraordinary CT Residents Over Age 60 Now Open

BLOOMFIELD — Nominations for the 2018 Class of 60 Over 60 are now open. For the second year, the 60 Over 60 awards are looking for 60 Connecticut individuals over age 60 who make a difference with their businesses; in their communities and for their families.

Duncaster created this award-winning program in 2017 as a way to recognize the state's movers and shakers over the age of 60. Last year's honorees came from 26 towns across the state of Connecticut. They included leaders in the fields of business, medicine, sports and nonprofit organizations; activists; artists; inventors; politicians; volunteers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Those wishing to nominate someone or themselves can go to the Duncaster website at www.Duncaster.org/60-Over-60; to nominate by email, contact ewest@aomc.com for a nomination form. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 13 at midnight.

A panel of judges, including three of last year's recipients, will pick the members of the 2018 Class of 60 Over 60. Winners will be notified by the end of March. They will be featured in a special statewide newspaper supplement, showcased on the Duncaster site and honored at a celebration in May.

For the second year, we are launching a search for 60 people over age 60 who best represent the doers and dreamers of Connecticut; those whose everyday acts of kindness or achievements make an impact on the lives of others, said Carol Ann McCormick, Duncaster's Vice President of Sales and Marketing. McCormick was recognized by LeadingAge Connecticut for creating the program in 2017.

Anyone may nominate someone who is age 60 or better by Feb. 13. Nominees must live in the state of Connecticut at least five months a year. Nominators need not be from Connecticut. Self-nominations and multiple nominations are encouraged. For more information, see Duncaster.org or call 860-380-5006.

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Enfield Rec Activities

ENFIELD — The Enfield Recreation Department is offering the following events. For more information, contact the Enfield Recreation Department at www.enfield-ct.gov/recreation or 860-253-6420. The Recreation Office is located at 19 North Main St.

The Enfield Recreation Department hosts Open Gym Basketball time for adults 20 and over. Participants must show proof of age and residency to participate in addition to having a program waiver on file at the gym. The program will be held through March 3; check website for no program dates. Daily fee is $2 for residents and $2.50 for non-residents.

Other activities include open gym volleyball for adults, open gym pickleball for adults and high school open gym volleyball.

Basketball: A co-ed instructional program for boys and girls in grades 1 and 2 will be held on Sunday afternoons at JFK Middle School and began on Jan. 7. Parent volunteers are sought to help supervise stations.

Registration will be limited to 80 participants (40 per session) and will be taken on a first come, first serve basis. Registration began on Oct. 13. This program is for Enfield residents only. The fee is $35 per participant. Contact the Enfield Recreation Dept. at 860-253-6420 or visit www.enfield-ct.gov/recreation for more information or to register.

An introductory basketball program for youth in Kindergarten will be held on Sunday afternoons at JFK Middle School and began on Jan. 7. Parent volunteers are sought to help supervise stations. Contact the Enfield Recreation Dept. at 860-253-6420 or visit www.enfield-ct.gov/recreation for more information or to register.

Winter swim lessons: The Enfield Recreation Department will offer swim lessons for infants, toddlers and youth this winter. Classes will be held at the JFK Middle School pool. Classes are held on Saturdays for six weeks beginning on Feb. 24 and are for Enfield residents only.

Yoga: Students will be able to work at their own level, modifying poses as needed. Participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat to class. Classes will be held Tuesdays, January 9 – February 27 from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. at Parkman School. Fee is $30 for residents/$37.50 for non-residents. Pre-Registration is required.

ENFIELD — Asnuntuck Community College Foundation, Inc. will host Cafe Murder, a murder mystery comedy. The 15th Annual Murder Mystery Dinner Auction will be held on Friday, March 23, at the newly renovated Asnuntuck Community College, 170 Elm St.

Proceeds of the event will fund scholarships, as well as learning and student support services throughout the college campus. Charles Miller, Miller Farms Family Markets-ShopRite is Honorary Chairperson of the event while Carolyn Tkacz is Chairperson. Committee members include Carmela Brennan, Cheryl Chiasson, Julie Cotnoir, Rob Earley, Jackie Guzie, Carol Hall, Joyce Keating, Robyn Lee, Kim Quinn, Lisa Reda, Greg Stokes, Jr. and Kathleen Tallarita-Lombardi.

Reservations for Cafe Murder are $75 and include social hour, prime rib, roast turkey and pork carving stations, entrees and dessert, as well as silent and live auctions. A tax-deductible donation is also included.

Sponsorships are available from $2,500 to $100 and include a variety of marketing opportunities and guest reservations. For more information, please call event organizer Chris Casey of Chris Casey Concepts at 860-698-6267 or email cwsmcasey@gmail.com. To sponsor or attend the event, please go to www.asnuntuck.edu/donate.

Warming Center Needs Volunteers

ENFIELD — Enfield Safe Harbor Warming Center is in need of volunteers. The warming center is a safe place for people spend the night out of the cold from Jan. 15 to March 31.

For information, contact Lorraine Creedon at 860-749-0931. If you would like to make a donation, checks can be made payable to "Enfield People for People", on the memo line, please write "Warming Center," and send your donation to P.O. Box 165, Enfield, CT 06083.

Community Action Agencies Accepting Energy Assistance Applications

AREA — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services just released $67,255,113 in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding. This amount is 90-percent of LIHEAP funds allocated for the State of Connecticut.

Connecticut residents struggling to pay their utility bills this winter can apply for home heating assistance through Connecticut's Community Action Agency Network. The Community Action Agencies (CAAs) are the only nonprofit agencies administering LIHEAP, which provides home heating assistance to Connecticut's most vulnerable residents. Each CAA has application intake sites throughout their service regions. Some sites may include local town halls, and customers should check with their local CAA for a complete site listing.

In Connecticut this program is called the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) and is housed under the Department of Social Services (DSS). The state's Community Action Agencies administer the $74M+ program locally in all 169 cities and towns. CAAs are now accepting CEAP applications for the 2017-2018 winter season and expect more applications in the coming weeks, especially as temperatures begin to drop. Homeowners and/or renters may apply, and funds may be used to pay for whatever source of heating residents have in their homes. This includes wood, electric, oil, kerosene, or natural gas.

CAAs will certify oil deliveries beginning Wednesday, Nov. 15, for those who heat with oil, propane, and deliverable fuels. May 1, 2018, is the last day households can apply for benefits unless the household is utility heated and has a shut off notice for its primary source of heat. May 15, 2018 is the last day a utility heated household with a shut off notice for its primary source of heat can apply for benefits.

Another protection for Connecticut's struggling families is the utility moratorium, or winter hardship, which provides protection for eligible households against heat source shut-offs between November 1st and May 1st. Gas and electric utilities cannot be shut off (summer or winter) if lack of the utility creates a life-threatening situation. If a customer is having trouble paying their utility bills during the winter moratorium period, Community Action Agencies will work with them on affordable utility payment programs, including the Matching Payment Program (MPP) and Below Budget Payment Plans. MPP is a payment incentive program that allows eligible utility customers to maintain year-round electric and gas service and pay an agreed-upon amount each month to pay down the balance on their heating bill. If customers cannot afford the utility payment plan, CAAs work with the customer and can submit a Below Budget Payment Plan based on the household income and expenses.

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A CEAP benefit to a household automatically makes that household eligible for weatherization services. So, in addition to heating assistance, CAAs will refer customers to those agencies providing weatherization services, which helps minimize energy-related costs and fuel usage in homes through retrofits and home improvement measures. Additionally, there are funds available this year through the CAA for heating system repair and replacement if such services are deemed necessary and as the amount of funds allocated allow. Lastly, when a customer comes to a CAA for energy assistance, the agency will also assist customers in accessing other benefits for which they may be eligible including SNAP and other food programs, financial counseling, child care, and case management.

Connecticut's poorest families struggle each and every year to heat their homes in this a state with one of the highest utility rates in the country; customers many times having to choose between heating and eating or heating and paying for their medicines. CEAP allows them to not only cover high home energy costs and keep warm during the cold winter months, but gives low-income families the opportunity to address other critical, basic needs, rather than having to choose between them. Any resident who needs help paying their heating bill this winter should contact their Community Action Agency immediately.

For more information on Connecticut's Energy Assistance Program, how to find your local CAA to apply, or to make a donation, visit www.cafca.org or contact the Connecticut Association for Community Action (CAFCA), 144 Clinton Street, New Britain, CT, 06053, 860-832-9438.

Town Seeking Recording Secretaries

ENFIELD — The Town of Enfield is seeking recording secretaries to type minutes of meetings for several boards and commissions that meet on a regular evening schedule in the Town Hall. Meeting attendance is not mandatory but is highly recommended for those that meet in an untelevised location. Rate of pay is determined on meeting length. Minutes typed should be completed within seven days and turned in prior to the commission or committee's next meeting.

The following Commissions have openings: Planning and Zoning Commission, First and third Thursday of each month; Historic District Commission, Fourth Wednesday of each month; Inland Wetland and Watercourse Agency, Third Tuesday of each month; and Zoning Board of Appeals, Fourth Monday of each month.

ENFIELD — Five years ago, the Enfield CT Open Forum was quite a small group established by Kevin and Doreen Kibbe. This group provided a safe place on Facebook for open discussions of many topics without negativity. Kevin, being a diehard Red Sox fan, decided to have some fun with the forum members by challenging the group to donate one item per person for every Red Sox win during the 2012 season.

Kevin aimed high and the first collection weighed in at 320 pounds of much needed food, household and personal items. This total grew to 1,100 pounds the second year and the third drive was even more amazing, a grand total of 2,248 pounds. The fourth year took a huge hit due to the economic downfall. Now in its fifth year, donations are underway.

Drop-off sites are placed around town and the collection partnered with Shop-Rite in Enfield, where a complete list is displayed. Information can also be gotten at ecoffooddrive@yahoo.com or by calling 860-794-3061.

Volunteer Hearing Officer Sought

ENFIELD — The town of Enfield is seeking a volunteer hearing officer. Are you attracted to interpreting the law? Are you seeking meaningful ways to serve your community? Do you have a passion for impartial application of ordinances?

Anyone interested may send a letter of interest detailing why they feel they are qualified to become a hearing officer to Townmanager@enfield.org or to the Town Hall, Town Manager's Office, 80 Enfield St., Enfield CT 06082.

Five Corner Cupboard is a mission of and is located on the campus of First Congregational Church of East Windsor, 124 Scantic Road, at the site of the former Growing Tree Child Development Center.

Donations can be brought to the Cupboard Monday mornings and all day Tuesdays. There is a tote on the front porch for after hours donations as well as donation boxes at various places in East Windsor, including Geisslers, Warehouse Point Library, Broad Brook Post Office, At the Dam restaurant and Windsor Federal Bank. Monetary (tax deductible) donations can be sent to 124 Scantic Road, East Windsor, 06088. Checks should be made to Five Corner Cupboard.

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Food Donation Challenge

ENFIELD — Enfield Food Shelf's annual appeal is halfway to the target of donations needed and is seeking assistance from individuals, local businesses and organizations. The monetary and food donations received from March to May help further the mission of ensuring no Enfield family in need is without food assistance.

Enfield Food Shelf provides grocery-style food assistance to 350 to 400 families per week. Food assistance allows families to self-select items needed to make meals and eat at home; pack lunches for school-age children; and provide food to children when school is closed during the summer months.

All food donations are accepted Monday through Thursday. Monetary donations may be made on-line at www.enfieldfoodshelf.org or by mail at Enfield Food Shelf, 96 Alden Ave., Enfield, CT 06082. For more information, to visit the facility or to volunteer, contact 860-741-7321.

ENFIELD — The Enfield Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen is in need of garden vegetables. Organizers are asking people to plant an extra one or two plants to share. Drop-off is at 28 Prospect St., from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Anyone with questions may call Priscilla at 860-741-0226.

Meals On Wheels Needs Help

SOMERS — The Town of Somers Meals on Wheels program has been operating continuously for 36 years independently of support from federal, state or local government funds.

The program provides meals six days a week, 52 weeks a year. It not only provides needed meals but also is a daily wellness check for frail, elderly clients, many of whom live alone. The program was, for many years, completely run by volunteers but now is coordinated by the Town of Somers Human Services Department.

The cost of the meals ($4 for a hot meal, $3 for a cold meal) is set on a sliding scale. If the client has a financial need, there is a MOW subsidy program to assist. The fund is totally supported by local churches, organizations and individuals and has been sufficient, until now. The number of clients has increased and the fund is running low. Government funding for MOW programs is being cut back or eliminated so government help is not an option at this time.

The town is asking for helping replenishing the Somers MOW fund. Donations can be sent to: Town of Somers Meals on Wheels Program, Attn: Assistant Finance Director, 600 Main St., PO Box 308, Somers, CT 06071.

Nutmeg Senior Rides

AREA — Nutmeg Senior Rides provides door through door transportation for seniors and the visually impaired in North Central Connecticut, and now has the online capability for volunteers to pick the rides that fit their schedule.

Volunteer drivers help riders shop and pick out their items, go to doctor appointments, bingo, lunch with friends and more. Mileage for drivers is reimbursed at 40-cents per mile.

Volunteer drivers are needed for expanded service in Bloomfield, East Granby, East Windsor, Enfield, Granby, Somers, South Windsor, Suffield, Windsor, and Windsor Locks.

EAST WINDSOR — East Windsor's 250th anniversary celebration is taking place in 2018 and organizations interested in being a part of the nine month celebration are asked to email ew250@eastwindsorct.com.

Parents As Teachers Program

ENFIELD — The Enfield Family Resource Center has openings in its Parents as Teachers program for Enfield residents. This is a free home-visiting program that supports parents in their role as their child's first teacher by providing information, support and resources to parents who are expecting a baby or have children ages birth-five.

For more information, contact the Family Resource Center's Parent Educators at 860-253-4769 or 860-253-6580.

Tipper Barrel Collection

ENFIELD — Public Works reminds residents on the placement of tipper barrels for refuse and recycling. Per the town ordinance, barrels must be placed at the curb between dusk the day before your scheduled pickup and 7 a.m. the day of pickup. All barrels need to removed from the curb by 8 a.m. on the day after pickup.

Missed pick-ups and callbacks waste precious resources and cost the town extra money, Public Works officials say. All residents received a magnet with important collection information. If you misplaced your magnet, need additional information or want more information about the recycling program, visit the website at http://enfield-ct.gov/405/Regular-Trash-Collection or call the DPW hotline at 860-763-7527 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Volunteer Hearing Officer Sought

ENFIELD — The town of Enfield is seeking a civic-minded resident to become a volunteer hearing officer. If interested, contact the office at 860-253-6300 for an interview.

Somers Fire Department Seeks Volunteers

SOMERS — Local volunteer firefighters are counting on residents to add one more New Year's resolution to the list: Join the Somers Fire Department and become an everyday hero. The Somers Fire Department fire division works primarily on a scramble crew system - members receive notice of a call via pager or a text to their cell phone. They then respond to the station to get the fire apparatus. Training and uniforms are provided.

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The EMS division staffs the ambulance. Once personnel have completed mandatory entry requirements and attend local drills and meetings, they are eligible to attend outside training to increase their skill levels. Training and uniforms are provided by the Department.

In addition, the Somers Fire Department offers a cadet program which is managed in two phases, from ages 14-15 and 16-17 years old. Training and uniforms are provided and members in good standing are eligible to receive a quarterly stipend.

Both the fire and EMS side offer a stipend of $250 per quarter for those who meet minimum requirements - members can earn up to $2,000 a year. Aside from a $2 reimbursement per each call for gas, the Department also contributes to a small pension system. Members in good standing receive dress and working uniforms and the Department covers all training.

Send an email to membership@somersfire.org or call 860-749-7626. The membership director will reply with an application and answers to any questions.